Cozumel trip report

[chace_nicole]

This is my 1st trip report, so forgive me if I leave out important details

The morning after we arrived, the Harbor Master closed the port so we weren't able to dive...bummer. The second day, only boats over 40 ft were able to go out...not us, bummer. Day 3, I was sick & had to reschedule. I'm thinking, am I EVER going to get to dive?

Day 4, perfect weather, 1st dive Palancar Bricks. Went down to the sandy bottom at about 60 ft and started the deeper swim throughs. Max depth on this dive was 85ft. First little swim through, there was a nurse shark, about 4 ft long. Next, saw a hawksbill turtle! Visibility was neverending! Came out onto the wall, my 1st wall, and saw a neverending blue bottom! It was such a rush! I put my arms out & felt like I was flying, my 1st drift dive too! Saw a spotted eel. We saw tons of other fish, none of which I know the names except huge, beautiful queen angel fish. I will have to get a fish id book. I did not have enough weight so my buddy handed me his big light (couple of pounds) which suprisingly helped. I was the first to come up due to 700psi, which suprised me because I did very well with air consumption at the lake. Oh well. Hung out at our safety stop..surfaced. AWESOME!

Short surface interval at the reef club.

Dive 2, Yucab Reef. Max depth 55ft. The vis here was not as good as the first dive, but was still fantastic! Saw a second nurse shark, this one was about 6ft long and was just swimming across the bottom out in the open. The coral was amazing, saw many fish. Saw flamingo tongue (spelling?) and sharptail eel (looked like a snake!) The DM was with a couple that had just got certified 2 days ago on the island so we did not get the small creatures pointed out to us. I did better on my air consumption this dive.

We dove with Scuba Du, friendly crew, great service. We chose them because they were onsite at our hotel, El Cozumeleno. Six divers total with 1 DM. They give you towels soaked in mint solution to remove the salt water from your face after the second dive. They did forget my buddies bigger tanks, which he requested in advance. One other thing to know about Scuba Du is that they only dive certain places on certain days. I really wanted to see Santa Rosa wall, but I was sick that day & they follow their schedule.

[RoadRacer1978]

Glad to hear that all worked out, but sorry to hear about your bad first few days. What a bummer to go on a dive trip and not get to dive. After the neverending vis I bet you can't wait to get in the water with us in the Dirty waters here. Thanks for takin the time to write up a trip report. I can't wait till I have to opportunity to explore a nice warm tropical place and come back to tell everyone about it. Someday.

[TX1Chica]

Sorry to hear about you guys having some trouble. We leave in a couple weeks. Most of my family goes so we usually have a boat to ourselfs and can tell the DM where we want to dive. You might try a different Dive opp with more flexability and personal service. Were you able to get out and explore the island? I love it their. The food, the east side and diving any thing Palancar.

[chace_nicole]

Originally Posted by TX1Chica

Sorry to hear about you guys having some trouble. We leave in a couple weeks. Most of my family goes so we usually have a boat to ourselfs and can tell the DM where we want to dive. You might try a different Dive opp with more flexability and personal service. Were you able to get out and explore the island? I love it their. The food, the east side and diving any thing Palancar.

Yes we rented a jeep & toured the other side. The fish tacos at Coconuts were amazing. We found this little bakery behind the plaza (zermatts) very good fresh baked goods for very little pesos. Next time I want to try the non-all inclusive route so I can get out & try the local restaurants. The churros in town were very good too. Can't wait to go back, going to try for March. Where are you guys staying? Let us know how your trip goes

[ertechsg]

Glad to hear it all worked out ok. Yea that first blue water dive will some how make a tank of air disappear. Just stay a little more shallower next time. And you had to mention coconuts next time try the nachos at the flea market of the main drag plus the $1 corona don't hurt either

[TX1Chica]

We are trying a different place... Casa Mexicana. We have stayed at Coral Princes and Casa del Mar. But we got a good deal on CM so we'll try it out. The only thing I am worried about it thats its right in town and has no beach. I am afraid it will be loud and I do like to sit on a beach when I am done diving or taking a day off. We always get a car, so we can drive somewhere. Its just hard to try something new sometimes. Its that fear of the unknown.

[snagel]

AAaa...bring back the memories. I was there over Thanksgiving and now it seems so long ago. Can't wait to get back. We did get to see Santa Rosa Wall...probably the best dive I've ever done. Heck, this gives you a reason to get back (soon I hope). Sorry to hear about the first couple days and thanks for bringing back the memories.

S. Nagel

[hychang]

Oh, how envious I am of you making your first blue water dive down there. I am sorry the beginning of your trip wasn't all that great, but glad you did get some good diving in. I was hoping to get down to Cozumel to dive during the kids' Spring Break, but not likely to happen as the airfare from the D.C. area is $$$. Oh well, someday perhaps. Thanks for sharing your dive with us.

[DiveSooner]

Hopefully, you had a good time. Now, you can start planning your next trip! I planning on Springbreak with some newbies.

[94GTStang]

Glad to hear of your experience!


Casa Mexicana is pretty nice. A couple I'm friends with stayed there and liked it. The breakfast was great from what I hear. Apparently Carlos and Charlie's is a bit on the loud side if you are staying at CM though.

I prefer Hotel Cozumel or Fiesta Americana and not doing the AI. Just go to the grocery store and get food for breakfast and lunch. Than go rent a car at Less Pay and you are set!